Bracket Projection: Syracuse

The Orange can guard, but if they don't hit from outside they're hurting

Nate Shron/Getty ImagesPoint guard Michael Carter-Williams is one of the nation's top playmakers this season.

The Syracuse Orange find themselves in a bit of a tailspin on the eve of the NCAA tournament, having lost more games than they've won in the final month of conference play. In order for Jim Boeheim's squad to fulfill their potential and make a postseason run, changes need to happen quickly. What issues have been plaguing Syracuse and what can be corrected?

ESPN Insider has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of Bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams, in order to help you make smart picks in your bracket. Plus, as Lunardi fills out his bracket, he'll give you his prediction on how each team will fare.

Lunardi's Logic

I'm guessing Jim Boeheim likes his spot. No one is talking about the Orange, and he's away from a lot of pesky media types out in San Jose. I don't think Syracuse will have much trouble with either UNLV or Cal, and they could be lying in the weeds to spring a huge upset of Indiana when the East Region gets to D.C. The Orange are best when they can overachieve.

TOURNEY PROFILE

Best wins: San Diego State, at Louisville, Notre Dame

Worst losses: at Villanova (OT), at UConn, Georgetown, at Georgetown

To read the complete tournament guide preview for the Syracuse Orange, and gain access to all of ESPN Insider's NCAA tournament coverage, sign up today.